BACKGROUND: The leather "Jerkin" was originally introduced in the British army during the first winter of WWI, (1914/15), and immediately became popular with the troops. The sleeveless design allowed for easy mobility while still protecting the wearer from the elements. The Jerkin was adopted by all the British Dominions, (Canada, Australia, etc.), and its usage continued through-out WWII. Canadian produced jerkins were a darker brown in colour, whereas British examples were light brown or tan in colour.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A multi-panel, brown leather constructed, four button front (only one of the four buttons remain), three quarter length, jacket lined in a coarse olive drab worsted wool. The white cotton tag is sewn to the interior that shows it as "Size No. 2" a manufacture mark, broad arrow a 1940 date and various measurements that are faded on the tag. The breast measures approximately 44" and 31" long from shoulder to bottom of jerkin. Shows obvious wear.